Technology improves every year, and that is certainly true for hearing aid technology. Modern hearing aids can use computer chips, digital feedback reduction, and directional microphones to get users closer than ever to pre-hearing loss hearing. Hearing aid users can also find dedicated smartphone apps for their hearing aids, and these apps can be incredibly convenient. Let’s discuss hearing aid apps, what they can do for you and why you would use one.
What Hearing Aid Apps Are Available?
Manufacturer Apps
Hearing aid apps from the manufacturer are the ones most used by hearing aid users. The company that designed your hearing aid also designs these apps to connect and work with it. You can find the app for your hearing aids by searching for your manufacturer’s name in the app store (Google Play Store for Android or the Apple App Store for iPhone). These apps give you remote control over your hearing aids, including volume, streaming settings and device status.
Other Apps
- Transcription apps. These apps can transcribe your conversations in real time, allowing you to read anything you might have missed.
- Phone call captioning. A captioning app will create a transcription of your phone conversation as you’re having it.
- Subtitles apps. Watching a movie, TV show or video on your smartphone will be much more enjoyable with subtitles provided.
- Tinnitus management. If you suffer from tinnitus, you can find sound therapy apps that specialize in background noise to mask it.
Some apps claim they can perform a hearing test from your phone, but we don’t recommend using an app to assess your hearing. Your phone’s sound processing, the headphones you used and background noise levels can all potentially distort or interfere with your perception of the sound, giving unreliable results.
What Features Do Hearing Aid Apps Have?
As mentioned above, manufacturer apps give you remote control over your hearing aids. You can adjust volume settings, background noise reduction and your hearing programs with just a tap. In addition, you can create customized hearing programs within the app to fit your unique hearing needs.
Streaming audio, such as music, becomes easier with an app as well; it can facilitate streaming sound from your phone directly to your hearing aids with Bluetooth®. Hearing aid apps also monitor your device status, such as battery life and hours used. They may also have GPS capabilities to locate your hearing aids if you lose them.
Why Should I Use a Hearing Aid App?
Every person’s hearing needs are unique, and putting control of your hearing aids in your hands is a powerful way to make your hearing aids work for you. Enjoy a better hearing experience by taking advantage of the technology available to you. You can always visit Gulf Coast Audiology for a walkthrough of your hearing aid app and an explanation of its features. Call today for more information or to make an appointment.